E. Howard & Co., Boston, MA. Model No. 27. A marble faced wall clock.

Marble Dial Clocks were original designed for and used in banks, halls, public buildings, hotels, railway depots, church galleries and all large apartments. Marble was selected as a material and accepted by the public because it’s distinctive look. The surface of these clocks is easy to keep clean and is very durable.

The entire front of this case is a single piece of Italian marble that measures approximately one half of an inch thick and is approximately 35 inches long. The Model No. 27 is the larger size of this form. Two versions were offered in the Howard catalogs. The smaller version, the model No. 28, measures 2 feet 4 inches in length.

The marble selected for this example features a very subdued grain pattern. The surface has taken a grey tint. The stone features a nicely formed edge that is in very good condition. It is not cracked of chipped. This is fitted onto a case that is constructed in pine. The outer surface of this case now features a natural wood finish. The marble is secured to the case with two large screws. The upper section of this example measures 18 inches across. The time ring, featuring Roman style hour numerals, measures 15.5 inches in diameter to the outer edge on the minute ring. The painted graphics on this example have been professionally restored and are now in excellent condition.

The weight driven movement is brass and of very good quality. The weight is cast iron and is original to this clock. The Maker’s name, working location and movement size are die-stamped on to the heavily cast front plate. This movement is also fitted with a Geneva stop-work winding mechanism. The pendulum is supported by a block that is mounted above the plates of the movement. An auxiliary steel rod extends to the top of the case in order to fine tune the regulation. The pendulum rod is made of wood and retains its original gilding. The bob is zinc and covered with a brass facing that retains its original decoration. The motion of this pendulum bob can be viewed through the glass tablet located in the lower section of this clock. This tablet has been professionally repainted in the correct Howard format.

This nicely restored example was made circa 1875.

About Edward Howard of Boston, Massachusetts.

The E. Howard Clock Company has an outstanding reputation for making high quality weight driven wall timepieces, standing regulators, public clocks and electro-mechanical master and watchman clocks.

The E. Howard & Company succeeded the Howard & Davis firm in 1857. The Howard and Davis firm was comprised of Edward Howard and David P. Davis and was established in 1842. Both men served their apprenticeship with Aaron Willard Jr of Boston. This firm was involved in watch and clock manufacturing since 1842. This firm also made high grade clocks, precision balances, sewing machines and fire engines. After the dissolution of Howard and Davis, Edward Howard went on to become Boston’s leading manufacture of weight driven clocks. This included residential clocks, commercial clocks and tower clocks. They also sold a large number of watchman and salve clock systems. These sold well in the late 1800’s.

It has been said that the E. Howard Clock company never made an inexpensive clock and that everything they made was of very good quality. As a result, Howard clocks have become very collectible and are prized by their owners. Today, the E. Howard clock name enjoys outstanding name recognition.

For a more in depth reading of E. Howard and his various businesses, please read Paul Foleyâs book, Willardâs Patent Time Pieces.